Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of change control in software application modifications?

1. Business case

2. Change control

3. Impact analysis

4. RFI

The correct answer is: Change control

The primary purpose of change control in software application modifications is to manage changes systematically and ensure that all modifications are made with careful consideration of their potential impacts on the software and its surrounding systems. Change control provides a structured process for proposing, evaluating, approving, and implementing changes. This is vital in maintaining the integrity and stability of the software application, minimizing disruption, and ensuring that any changes align with the overall goals and requirements of the organization. It involves documenting all requests for changes, assessing their implications, and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed. By having a robust change control process, organizations can manage risk more effectively, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and facilitate better communication among team members. While the other options may relate to the context of software development or management, they do not encapsulate the primary function of change control in the same manner. For example, a business case may outline why a change is needed, impact analysis assesses the consequences of the modifications, and an RFI (Request for Information) seeks information but does not govern the process of implementing changes. Change control specifically focuses on the management and oversight of alterations within a software application.